Kyoto

The countless temples, shrines, and palaces that texture the city map make Kyoto's grand architecture its most famous feature abroad, but that's just part of what you'll find in this imperial city. Japan's capital for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto was the center not only for courtly affairs, but politics, religion, philosophy, art, culture, and cuisine. Essentially every one of Japan's refined cultural arts blossomed from seeds that were planted here, including the tea ceremony, kabuki theater, and Zen Buddhism. More »